Computer Science (B.S.)

Program Overview

Majors are introduced to the broad discipline of Computer Science as they develop foundational competencies through a series of core courses. Students have opportunities to participate in programing competitions, service learning, summer research experiences, and professional internships.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of Messiah's Computer Science program can:

  1. Analyze a complex computing problem and apply principles of computing and other relevant disciplines to identify solutions.
  2. Design, implement, and evaluate a computing-based solution to meet a given set of computing requirements in the context of the program’s discipline.
  3. Communicate effectively in a variety of professional contexts.
  4. Recognize professional responsibilities and make informed judgments in computing practice based on legal and ethical principles.
  5. Function effectively as a member or leader of a team engaged in activities appropriate to the program’s discipline. 
  6. Apply computer science theory and software development fundamentals to produce computing-based solutions.
  7. Explain how faith connects to the discipline and how the biblical call to vocation relates to potential career options. 

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

CIS 160Introduction to Computer Science and Cybersecurity

3

CIS 181Computer Programming I

3

CIS 281Programming for User Interaction

3

CIS 284Computer Programming II

3

CIS 285Data Structures

3

CIS 325Data Communications and Networking

3

CIS 332Database Concepts

3

CIS 335Software Engineering

3

CIS 384Elements of Computing Systems

3

CIS 387Analysis of Algorithms

3

CIS 416Operating Systems and Computer Architecture

3

CIS 418Machine Learning

3

CIS 471Application Development l

3

CIS 472Application Development ll

3

CIS 482Organization of Programming Languages

3

CIS 487Interactive 3D Graphics

3

MATH 111Calculus I

4

MATH 180Discrete Mathematics

3

MATH 261Linear Algebra

3

STAT 291Probability and Statistics

3

Four credits from the following (Junior/Senior year)

INTE 394Internship

4-12

INTE 391Internship

1-3

INTE 394/391 must be taken for a letter grade to fulfill Major requirement.

Four credits from the following

PHYS 201Introductory Physics I

4

PHYS 202Introductory Physics II

4

PHYS 211General Physics I

4

PHYS 202 recommended.

General Education Requirements

Experiential Learning requirement   0
General Education requirements   Credits
First Year Seminar IDFY 101/102H  3
Written Communication ENGL 110/110H 3
Oral Communication COMM 105 3
Mathematical and Scientific Ways of Knowing Mathematics (MATH 111, MATH 180, CIS 181) met/major
Science with Lab (PHYS 201, PHYS 202, or PHYS 211) met/major
Social Scientific Ways of Knowing
Social Science 3
Cultural/Humanistic Ways of Knowing 24GE History 3
Literary & Aesthetic Ways of Knowing
Literature or Arts 3
Cultural/Humanistic Ways of Knowing

Philosophy or Religion

3
Cultural/Humanistic Ways of Knowing 1st and 2nd Level Language 6
Intercultural Perspectives Intercultural Global or International Cross-cultural or 3rd Level Language 3
Bible
24GE Bible 3
Christian Beliefs
24GE Christian Beliefs  3
Holistic Wellness
WELL 1xx 1
Ethics and the Common Good
24GE Ethics and the Common Good 3
Intercultural Perspectives
Intercultural U.S. or Domestic Cross-cultural 3
Common Learning
Experiential Learning (INTE 391/394) met/major 
General Education requirements   43
Major requirements (inclusive of concentration)   69
Free Electives    11
Total credits   123